This is life.

65 ➤ Family

Britney Patterson+

"The Empire State Building is huge." Joshua exclaims as we exit the building. I yawn. "Yeah. I guess it is." "Are you alright?" He asks. "Yeah I'm just a bit-" "Aren't you Chanel Huang's brother?" A teenage girl interrupts. "Um, yeah I am." "Oh my god I'm such a big fan. Can I have a photo, please?" He looks at me and I shrug. "Sure?" The girl takes out her Iphone and takes a quick selfie with him before taking a second one, placing a peck on his cheek. He smiles awkwardly and she hugs him. "Tell Chanel I look up to her and that I think she is incredibly talented, okay?" "Um...sure. I guess." Her smile drops when she sees me. "Aren't you Jason Cosmos' ex-fiancé or something?" Here we go.

"Yes, that's me." I say sarcastically. "Man my day just keeps getting better." Without bothering to ask, she holds her phone out and I smile to the camera as she takes a selfie with me. She then looks at me and Joshua back and forth. "Are you two dating or something?" I laugh and shake my head. "We have to get going." I sing. I grab Joshua's hand and pull him away. "Cosmos..." He said to himself. "Isn't he a really rich business person?" I roll my eyes. "Yes. Come on, let's go to Madison." We walk together a few blocks until we reach the famous destination, and we roam around Madison Square for a while. The scenery is quite peaceful. I enjoy the sight and calm atmosphere. "What were you saying before, by the way?" He brings up. I sigh and continue to walk. "I'm just a bit tired, was what I meant to say." "We can go back to the hotel if you want?" "But Chanel wants me to show you around. Come on I haven't even shown you Time Square."

"It's alright. I already visited Time Square and three museums yesterday after I came." He stops in front of a flowerstand and asks the woman working for something. He turns around and hands me a rose. Oh no.

I feel myself blush as I take it. I clear my throat and continue to walk. "Are you sure there's nothing else you want to do?" I ask softly. "Well there's one thing." He says. "What?" He grabs my wrist and I stop walking to look at him. He takes hold of my chin and before he has the chance I push him away. "No." I say firmly. With the rose in my hand I hold it between us to be clear.

He looks down sadly at me. "Why not?" He asks softly. "I know that you're older but one year or two isn't much of a difference. I think that you're really nice, and cute. You seem smart, too. I like that." "What the hell are you talking about? If Chanel's talked so much about me you have to know how old I am."

He frowns. "But...you're 19 aren't you?" I run my hand down my face and shake my head. "Joshua I'm almost 24. When you mentioned biochem yesterday I thought you knew I was talking about college. Not Biology and Chemistry as in the subjects but as in a Ph.D in biochem and an actual career. I'm not in high school and I know I may look young but I'm not the same age as you or Chanel." "Oh." I nod firmly. "Oh is right. Now I won't say anything but let's just get back." I link my arm with his and drag him along with me, but he stands still and I look at him. "Guess I just wish I could've got to you before my sister did." "Excuse me?" "I saw you and my sister kiss yesterday. I never would've guessed, but I love her regardless. Just don't hurt her. She's an amazing person and doesn't deserved to be used." I stare at him, having nothing to say as he is who soon pulls me along. But not before taking the rose from my hand and droppinig it to the floor. "Let's get back, then."

♛

Chanel wears nothing but a red cap, a white sports bra and a pair of light blue jeans for this particular section of her photoshoot. She makes a face to the camera and around her hip is a large belt that I assume is meant to promote her work. "Beautiful!" I feel a bit awkward being here, and obviously so does Joshua. I can make out Chinese writing on her left hip but the rest of the tattoo is covered by her jeans and the belt. I don't know why I haven't noticed it before. It seems that with every passing day I learn something new about her. Personally, being here right now wouldn't necessarily be my first option but she insisted that since Joshua and I finished touring earlier, we should both wait for her to finish her shoot.